Stephen A. Smith livid with Shannon Sharpe and tells him ‘you should be ashamed’ for ‘nonsense’ LeBron James opinion
On Tuesday’s First Take show, Stephen A. Smith was enraged at Shannon Sharpe.
In a contentious debate, the ESPN personalities disagreed on LeBron James.
Smith and Sharpe were arguing about who the best basketball player of all time was.
At 39, James is going through one of his worst statistical stretches.
For over twenty years, the four-time champion has dominated the sport.
In contrast, his fiercest rival, Michael Jordan, won six NBA titles in a shorter career with more breaks.
READ MORE ON THE NBA
From 1993 to 1995 and again from 1998 to 2001, he took two years off.
With five years off, Jordan’s career lasted 19 years in all.
During First Take, Sharpe also said to Smith, “I wish LeBron James could have taken four or five years off during his career.”
The comment infuriated Smith to the core.
As he made his case aggressively, he insisted that the producers focus the camera on him.
“This is the problem with Shannon Sharpe,” he stated.
Stephen A. Smith shrieks hysterically after Shannon Sharpe First Take surprise
“This guy is the definition of physicality; he works out constantly and is in the weight room.
“However, he will overlook the fact that LeBron’s game is more physical than it was when MJ was playing.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.”
Next, Sharpe attempted to include host Molly Qerim in the discussion.
He asked the reporter, “Can you imagine if LeBron James said he needed time out because he was mentally and physically fatigued.”
Shannon Sharpe’s playing career
Prior to his career in heavyweight media, Shannon Sharpe won three Super Bowls.
From 1990 until 2003, the former tight end played in the NFL, primarily with the Denver Broncos.
He was a member of the Baltimore Ravens’ 2001 championship team and the teams that won the Super Bowl in 1998 and 1999.
Sharpe was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and was a member of the Pro Bowl eight times.
He concluded his career with 815 receptions, 10,060 receiving yards, and 62 touchdowns.
Since retirement, the former NFL player has enjoyed an equally successful career on television.
“The media would be all over him,” Qerim retorted.
Jordan’s final NBA championship with the Chicago Bulls came in 1998.
In 2001, after two mostly forgettable years, he rejoined the Washington Wizards to play.
“He couldn’t get that team to the playoffs, the GOAT?” Sharpe questioned Smith.
“That’s what you’re asking LeBron James to do.”
Read More on The US Sun
In response, a furious Smith said, “Because compared to the 1980s and early 1990s, today’s game is as soft as Cottonelle tissue.”
Smith mentioned Sharpe, saying, “The man of steel should know that.”
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!